Storm-damaged shore town ends checkpoints

A Jersey shore town hard-hit by Superstorm Sandy is taking down the barricades.

Seaside Park ended police checkpoints at the entrance to town on Route 35 Thursday morning, having recovered sufficiently from the storm to permit normal traffic flow. It ended a system of permits and stickers that only allowed residents and contractors into town in the aftermath of the storm.

A 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. pedestrian curfew will remain in effect. The beaches, boardwalk, marina and bay front areas remain off limits.

Similar checkpoints remain in effect in the northern half of Mantoloking, which officials say won't be able to be repopulated until late spring or early summer due to severe damage from the storm.